Using Google Apps to Improve Your Service Business

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By Anastasia Harold

While cloud computing isn't exactly a new concept (Coolfront has been doing it for years now), Google Apps have certainly re-defined the technology so that businesses everywhere can take advantage of its speed, accessibility and storage. Google Apps for businesses are like Microsoft Office on steroids.. It includes Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides.

Here are some reasons and ways you can implement Google Apps for businesses to improve and manage your service business:

Why Use Google Apps for businesses?

One of the immediate benefits that Google Apps for businesses has over traditional desktop software, such as Microsoft Office, is price.

For just $10 a user per month, you receive access to all of Google's applications, 25 GB of e-mail storage per employee, 24/7 customer support, and a 99.9 percent network uptime guarantee.

Streamlining Communication with Gmail

When Gmail first arrived on the scene, the personal e-mail client was lauded for its seemingly bottomless storage capacity and lightning-fast inbox search capabilities. But with the integration of Google Apps, many of Gmail’s functions work just as efficiently for the service industry. Again, one of the most beneficial characteristics of Gmail is the cloud factor—since there's no cumbersome software to worry about, Gmail is accessible to your employees from anywhere, without having to download contacts or messages into devices.

Also, every office environment should have a method for sending quick, by-the-minute messages, and Gmail's answer is Google Chat. Better known as G-Chat, it’s built directly into the interface of the inbox. You can even video conference with far-flung employees and business partners.

Syncing Service Calls through Google Calendar

With Google Calendar, everyone is literally on the same page. You can see the appointments and availability of all of your employees in a simple, color coded screenGoogle calendar also works with your iPhone’s default calendar app (iCal), giving you reminders and notifications.

You can also schedule meetings and appointments directly from Gmail. Most dates and times turn into clickable links, adding things directly to your calendar. Invitees can accept or decline appointments, too, so you know who is scheduled to attend.

Improving Collaboration and Project Management with Google Docs

Using Google Docs, sheets and slides, multiple employees can work on one single document at the same time. Gone are the days of e-mailing attachments around and adding changes. This is a huge boost to your productivity and efficiency.

Lastly, the power of integration. Google suite of products integrates with a myriad of other programs and services out there. Adding it to your software line up is a piece of cake and chances are, it will work with the other service industry management systems that you’re already using.

When it comes to price, ease-of-use and features, Google apps for businesses can’t really be beaten. Check it out for yourself and until next time, stay cool!